Breaking Down Tyler Badie: The Newest NFL Rookie Running Back

Photo Credit: Saturday Down South

Our thoughts on 2022 NFL rookie Running Back, Tyler Badie.

Measurables:

• 5’8" 197 lbs.

• 4.45 40-yard dash

• 34” Vertical Jump

• 10’1” Broad Jump

"Badie is undersized but he's a twitchy, balanced ball carrier with plenty of juice."

Strengths:

• Rocked up, muscular build and plenty of juice (like a Tarik Cohen-type)

• Quick feet and sharp lateral cuts

• Low center-of-gravity & strong balance help him bounce off tackles

• A natural feel for blocking lanes and great instincts

• Eyes and feet are tied together to go where the hole is

• Excellent receiver and consistently catches balls away from frame

• Only 2 drops on 107 targets the last 2 seasons

• Hasn’t fumbled since his sophomore season

• Gets better as games go on (6.8 YPC in 2nd half of games in ‘21)

• Despite small stature, had great durability playing 46 games in college

• Missouri record 1604 rush yds in ‘21, including FIVE 200-yd games

Weaknesses:

• Played at sub-200 lbs and frame looks maxed out

• Doesn’t have the mass/power to break tackles at the line or push the pile

• Gambles on the big play at times instead of taking what's there

• Can be too patient at the line leading to negative plays

• Willing blocker but limited in pass protection due to size

• Inconsistent vision leads to bad angles as a blocker

• Had only 1 season as the full-time running back

• Only special teams experience was as a kick returner

• Was behind a very underwhelming Larry Rountree at Missouri

Scouting Report

Only a single year starter at Missouri, Tyler Badie was the featured back in their zone-based run scheme. He was one of the most productive running backs in the FBS in 2021, ranking third in rushing yards per game (133.7) and second in all-purpose yards per game (161.6). He doesn't possess the ideal frame for the NFL but he does have high-end receiving skills and stayed healthy last season while commanding the second-most touches (322) in college football. Overall, Tyler Badie is undersized but he's a twitchy, balanced ball carrier with plenty of juice. His pass-catching and field vision will be an asset for the Ravens backfield, especially with JK Dobbins and Gus Edwards still on the mend.